Philadelphia Union

“Martínez is a player for the future. He’s still young and he has a lot to give. But he’s just 21 and he needs to establish himself as a forward who responds with goals.”

“He’s a fast player. His main problem area is that he makes mistakes in converting. He misses chances and the [Saprissa] fans have not been so kind with him. It has cost him to establish himself as a consistent player.”

“Sometimes he fades and gets lost a little. It has cost him as far as meeting the expectations of the fans and the press.”

“[A] good kid and a respectful person, [but] a little timid. He’s not aggressive.”

So, it seems that Martinez is a young, still developing player, which is exactly what you’d expect of a 21-year-old. Hernandez concludes, “I think he can grow even more in MLS…He needs to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Amobi Okugo has an awesome video blog from the Generation adidas tour in the Netherlands from before this morning’s game that includes cameos from Jack McInerney and Danny Mwanga:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwQs6umIAME[/youtube]

On the heels of a Goal.com article we linked to in Monday’s news roundup that called Union academy player Christian Hernandez one of the top five players in the country most likely to be signed to a Home Grown Player contract, a Brotherly Game reader came across this tweet from Michael Wheeler of MAE Agency: “Soon to be repping a local Jersey kid as he takes his career to next level…have known him and fam for 4 yrs…local roots.” TBG suggest the player alluded to in the tweet is Hernandez.

Justin Mapp tells MLSsoccer.com that while leaving Philadelphia is “bittersweet,” he holds no grudges in being left unprotected to be picked by Montreal. “I really appreciate the Union staff for giving me the opportunity the last year-and-a-half. This is a great organization with great people and great fans. I definitely enjoyed my time here for sure.” What was the best part about Philly for Mapp? You guessed it, the fans. “Not every club has that type of support, and I think playing in front of that type of fan base was very special. That was probably the best part for me.”

The Union has 30 limited edition jerseys available for sale featuring an alternative Bimbo logo with the Bimbo bear. The jerseys are available for $200 apiece with the proceeds benefiting the Philadelphia Union Foundation and the American Heart Association.

MLS

Brad Friedel caused a stir when he told the BBC World Service, “You get a player like a Landon Donovan, who in my opinion chose to take the easy road and stay in the States. It’s much harder to ply your trade over here.” The Sporting News begs to differ, saying Friedels’s opinion is caused by jealousy and ignorance.

WPS

US Soccer has released the following statement on Wednesday: “U.S. Soccer’s Professional League Task Force and members of WPS had detailed discussions on Tuesday evening in Chicago regarding the sanctioning of the league for 2012. There will be additional discussions later this week before a final recommendation is provided to the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors.”

Atlanta Beat owner/WPS board member Fitz Johnson said after Tuesday’s meeting, “Consideration is on the table, but it doesn’t mean it’s done. I think [U.S. Soccer] just has to figure out what would have to happen to go forward with five teams. They are very supportive and we understand their position. They are trying to run a federation, not just us.”

Philadelphia Independence owner David Halstead tells Gabriel, “I could go out right now and find investors to bring teams in, investors with deep pockets but know zero about soccer. How long do you think those teams would stick around? If we are thinking long-term, you can’t rush this and demand immediate growth. The goal and mission of the WPS is to draw the strongest players in the world and have them play their careers here. We [as owners] are thinking long-term, too.

Elsewhere

The FBI is investigating “substantial evidence” of dirty tricks campaigns against the US bid for the 2022 World Cup, and the England bid for the 2018 World Cup, that included attempts to hack into bid organizers email accounts as well as allegations of bribery related to the failed bid of FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hamam that includes evidence that the cash used to bribe Caribbean football officials crossed US borders.

It’s the Europa League for Manchester City and Manchester United. Despite defeating Bayern Munich 2–0, City failed to advance out of the group stage thanks to Napoli’s 2–0 win over Villareal. United lost 2–1 to Basel. All of which makes the upcoming FA Cup match between City and United even more tantalizing.

Wayne Rooney has won his appeal to UEFA, which reduced his three match ban for kicking Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic to two games. Rooney will now be available to play for England against Ukraine in their final group stage match of Euro 2012. The third game ban was suspended for a period of four years, not overturned, which means the ban will take effect if Rooney is dismissed from any official UEFA game during that period of time.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says England’s FA has set a bad example by appealing Rooney’s ban. He also says the FA’s delay in coming to a decision about alleged racist remarks by Luis Suarez “is a bit of a joke as well.”

Author: Ed Farnsworth
Ed used to play drums. A lot. Now he's managing editor of PSP. A member of the Society for American Soccer History, he likes researching Philadelphia soccer history. A lot. Email him at efarnsworth@phillysoccerpage.com. Follow him on Twitter @FarnsworthPSP.

7 Comments

Dude, how can you argue against Friedels comments? Even if you think a personal attack on Donovan is uncalled for, you CANNOT argue that it’s harder to play in the EPL than the MLS. And you can’t deny that Donovan has gotten plenty as flack for not going to Europe.
I’m on that boat … Donovan is our best player I think but every year he doesn’t go to Europe is more respect I lose for him. (and at 28 he doesn’t have much time left)

I think you got your MLS and EPL mixed up in your comment. I think it’s harder to start and be successful in the EPL, but on the other hands, sometimes it’s harder to play when bad tackles are allowed and your team doesn’t have great technical skill.

Great video from Okugo; thanks for posting! Amazing that Ajax did not qualify for the CL after Dinamo lost 7-1. Interesting to read that French betting authorities are now investigating the game ….

If you like the Amsterdam scene in Okugo’s video and like Tiesto then listen to his latest podcast (#244) which can be found on itunes or http://www.tiesto.com; it is all on being Dutch and the Dutch DJ scene. They also have this great slogan :”if it ain’t Dutch it ain’t much”. :-)

Allegations of dirty tricks and corruption are not “whining” when backed up with evidence. If it takes investigations from the likes of the FBI, not to mention press outlets such as those in Britain that were regularly referred to as whiners by various FIFA spokesholes, to force reforms, so be it. As is all too obvious, FIFA will not reform on its own.